Papa's Coming Home

by Chasten Glezman Buttigieg, Dan Taylor (Illustrator)

A charming picture book about unconditional love from New York Times bestselling author Chasten Buttigieg, perfect for families who love each other the whole year through.

Jojo and Rosie's papa has been away on a trip, and they can't wait to welcome him home! They make signs, they pick flowers, and with Daddy's help, they bake a cake and pack the car with absolutely everything Papa might have missed while he was away.

When Papa's plane arrives, they give him a huge hug—but when they bring him to the car, they realize there's one small problem: Where will Papa sit?

Delightfully illustrated by Dan Taylor, this charming story filled with love celebrates dads and familial bonds. Chasten Buttigieg shines a beautiful light on the humorous musings of toddlers and a parent’s unconditional love for their child.

Genres: Picture Books, LGBT, Family, Childrens, Fiction, Kids, Dogs

40 pages, Hardcover

Published May 20, 2025

About the author

Chasten Glezman Buttigieg grew up in Traverse City, Michigan. He is a teacher, advocate, and husband of former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg. Chasten currently lives with Pete; their two children, Gus and Penelope; and their two rescue dogs, Buddy and Truman, in Northern Michigan. I Have Something to Tell You—For Young Adults is his second book.

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasten did with this book what is SO NEEDED in picture books these days - he made representation normal, not a big deal - just a sweet family story about a sweet family that just happens to have two dads. While representation with discussion about its importance is necessary, there also comes a time that I just want my kid to have diverse books on her shelves and have it just be NORMAL to see all bodies, all families, all living situations, etc etc etc represented in her books. This is a sweet, fun story with engaging pictures, perfect prose, and a loving family at the core of it all. My five year old requests to read it over and over again, and I gladly do! This is a must-have for your picture book shelves.

[Josiah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Chasten Glezman Buttigieg's ability to get a multi-book deal was no doubt boosted by his connection to politician Pete Buttigieg, but this picture book stands on its own merits. "Papa", as young Rosie and Jojo call Pete, has been away on a long trip. The two kids and their "Daddy", as Rosie and Jojo call Chasten, are excited to reunite with Papa at the airport. Rosie and Jojo want to lug all of Papa's favorite possessions to the airport, and they hurry to gather everything before they have to get in the car.

A glittery sign to welcome Papa is a must, but wouldn't it be nice to pick a bouquet of flowers? Soon Rosie and Jojo can't stop themselves from making the welcome home event ever more elaborate. A seven-layer cake, special slippers, a robe…oh, and Papa should have his favorite books! Squeezing his bike into the car is uncomfortable, and the dog—named Butter—crowds things even more, but as long as Papa's family is there, he's guaranteed to be happy.

How much of this story actually happened as written, I don't know, but the author's tone suggests much affection for his family. Dan Taylor's optimistic illustrations partner well with the text, and many readers will appreciate the addition of this Buttigieg travel tale to the annals of children's literature.

[Shana Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like normalizing queer families in picture books; I dislike reinforcing incorrect spelling in picture books

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable!

[Miranda Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet story about children getting ready for their father to come home from a trip.

[Patricia Q · Rating 4 out of 5]

ADORABLE!

[Stephanie ((Strazzybooks)) · Rating 5 out of 5]

so much love and thoughtfulness

[Shanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book.

Mia’s 2nd Year of Books: Day 216

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This charming picture book celebrates the unconditional love within a family. Twins Jojo and Rosie eagerly await their Papa's return from a business trip. With their Daddy’s help, they create welcome signs, pick flowers, bake a cake, and pack the car with everything Papa might have missed while he was away—including their dog. When Papa's plane arrives, they give him huge hugs. However, when they reach the car, they realize there’s one small problem: they packed a bit too much. This heartwarming story highlights the joy of homecomings and the creative ways children express their love, leaving us laughing with joy.

I loved the pure celebration of family joy in this book. Buttigieg captures the universal excitement of welcoming someone home—the anticipation, thoughtful preparation, and those reunion hugs that are like nothing else. The attention to detail in both the story and illustrations is delightful, with hidden Easter eggs and the genuine warmth shared between the fathers and their children. The book succeeds beautifully in being exactly what it set out to be: a simple, joyful day-in-the-life story of a family.

To listen to my interview with the author, visit my podcast at: https://zibbymedia.com/blogs/transcri...

[Thompson McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Papa's Coming Home
by Chasten Buttigieg
Illustrations Dan Taylor
Philomel
An imprint of Penguin Random House LLC
2025
40 pages
ISBN: 9780593693988

Twins Jojo and Rosie are so excited because Papa's coming home! They try to think of everthing they can do to welcome him. They enlist Daddy to bake the seven tier cake, they gather flowers, make banners and find his favorite slippers. They grab his bicycle and take family dog Butter along as they hurry to the airport.

Papa is excited and happy to see them. He's a good sport donning his bathrobe and slippers the twins included just in case Papa was tired and needed to relax. They forgot nothing. There's only one problem! The car is so crowded with all their preparations, there's no place for Papa to sit!

The sweet family dynamic is celebrated by honoring the love and support the children and partners share for one another. Illustrations show an adult in a wheelchair and multiethnic persons at the airport.

Love is love.

Highly recommended ages 3 and up.

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Papa, we missed you! Welcome home!’ – a delightful new book

Author Chasten Buttigieg, ably abetted by illustrator Dan Taylor, offers a charming, entertaining, and sensitive children’s book, reflecting his happy household with husband Pete Buttigieg and their children Gus and Penelope and dog Buddy. The story relates the preparation of the return of little Rosie and Jojo’s Papa from a trip, complete with special cake, flowers, a welcome sign all assisted by Daddy, and of course a long list of Papa’s favorite things that fill the car – resulting in a warm, if a bit crowded, homecoming! Beautifully written, this happy tale of gay men’s abundantly happy family life is a treasure that children (of all ages!) will enjoy!

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosie and Jojo have just learned from Daddy that their Papa is going to be coming home, and they want to make his return special. With Daddy's events they do everything from making welcome-home signs and backing a cake to collecting all of their Papa's favorite things so he will get to see them right away.

This was such a sweet book that Buttigieg wrote with the inspiration of the twins he shares with his husband Pete Buttigieg. He perfectly captures how little kids behave when they want to do something for their parents.

The illustrations are colorful and cute. Each illustration is a balance between realism and a fun 1950's style of comics.

[Fritz42 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars for both the story and the beautiful illustrations. It is such a meaningful story about a great family who are excited to welcome home their papa from a trip. It's touching and funny in parts. I bought a copy for my granddaughter, and it was the book she chose to read every night while we were taking care of her. It provided the inspiration to make our own "Welcome Home" poster for her parents when they returned home from their trip. We didn't make them a 7 layer cake with purple and yellow frosting, but we did make a coffee cake. It is a story that all families can relate to and celebrate.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glezman Buttigieg captures the typical chaos in any family preparing for a parent to come home from a trip. I laughed on almost every page at the story and my own memories from when our kids were young. The humor shines through in the text and in Taylor's vividly colored illustrations. Readers see how excited the kids are and how much they want to make sure their Papa feels welcomed and loved. Love shines through the book and families will connect to that along with enjoying the fun and incredible lengths children will go to when they know they are surrounded by love. Perfect book for families who simply want a fun read to those who have a parent who travels.

[MusingsofRu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Papa’s Coming Home was a book that made my 10 year old stop what he was doing to see why his younger sister was laughing. With silly details like the family dog trying to sneak some sprinkles and a seven layer cake that tips precariously this book shows how children come up with all the things they think will make Papa feel special when they pick him up at the airport, when really it’s their presence that is what families need. As a parent I loved how this book normalized parent names. Inclusivity isn’t complicated. With absolutely beautiful illustrations the story comes to life on the page.

[Andrés · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a perfectly nice book to put out into the universe. The running schtick is a series of "one more thing" requests from little ones that can prolong forward movement toward the door (in this case for a very important mission to pick up Papa). Families with two dads may see themselves represented here, and readers from all families may see for the first time a family structure that is different yet with family members whose feelings and activities likely resemble their own.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are all sorts of families in the world, and this one with Rosie, JoJo, Papa, Daddy, and Butter is loving and completely adorable! The text and illustrations are utterly charming. I bought my copy to read and then donate to a Little Free Library, but I don't want to let it go. I may have to buy a 2nd copy...

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an adorable story of things children did to make sure their Papa felt welcome when coming home from the airport. It was full of sweet and thoughtful gestures as well as some silly moments. The illustrations are vibrant, engaging, and match the text of the story perfectly!

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been wanting to get this book ever since it first came out and finally was able to get a lightly used copy for a good price. Chasten is a good writer and I hope he continues to write more books. The illustrations were adorable!

[Reaghan Herrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This book has oomph to it” - John Green

[Brian Centrone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so cute and sweet and charming. Kids will love it. Families come in all shapes and sizes and it is delightful to see that honored here in this book.

[Jordan B · Rating 5 out of 5]

"OOMPH" - John Green

[Scott Stem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute story with great artwork. It’s just charming and a book that is all about love between kids and their parents.

[LJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adorable!🥰

[Jennifer Brough · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous, sweet, and special peek at family life. Thank you Chasten for normalizing parents traveling and putting such a delightful spin on it. This book would make a fantastic gift!

[Earl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two kids with the help of their Daddy try to figure out the best way to welcome home their Papa. Hilarious and heartwarming.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adorable book. Just everything about it is adorable. Highly recommend. I especially love all the tiny details in the illustrations.

[CC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Papa’s coming home from a business trip and his kids scramble to bring all the things he loves with them to pick him up. Illustrations are adorable.

Mayor Secretary Pete for President, please.

[Lynn Schlatter · Rating 1 out of 5]

The silliness (and the really bad parenting) might have been more tolerable if the characters didn't so closely resemble Buttigieg's actual family.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really sweet picture book that exceeded expectations.